Eternal Shepherd

The word "shepherd" warms my soul. He is one who leads, cares for and tends to the needs of ... yes, usually sheep. From all I've learned about sheep, they really-really need leading, caring for and tending to! Jesus said, "I am the Good Shepherd" (John 10:14); the writer of Hebrews called Jesus the "Great Shepherd" (Hebrews 13:20); Peter wrote of Jesus as the "Chief Shepherd" (1 Peter 5:4). I feel all Believers should find this heart-warming! Jesus assures us He knows the sheep which belong to Him and those same sheep know their Shepherd (John 10:14). Interestingly, the word "shepherd" is both a noun (person, place, thing) and a verb (an action word). God has given His Church pastors to "shepherd" Jesus' flock in study, worship, fellowship, service and bring others to a relationship with Christ. Through the years, I've had to say "goodbye" to pastors as they have moved into other areas of ministry or retired; saying goodbye was sometimes tough. I anticipate the glorious day when I'm in the presence of The Shepherd of all shepherds: no more goodbyes - only hello to  my ... Eternal Shepherd.

Aroma of Christ

All things considered, God is a master-of-design! For example, it is crazy-incredible how something as simple as a smell can trigger a memory, bringing to mind a person or a place or an adventure long past. One of my favorite passages is from Ephesians 5: "Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example[, as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; and walk continually in love [that is, value one another - practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance." (Verses 1-2, AMP). It's a precious thing to watch a child mimic the actions of his father; never so precious, however, as a disciple of Jesus following His example! God said to the Prophet Ezekiel: "I will accept you [graciously] as a pleasant and soothing aroma when I bring you out from the peoples ... I will prove Myself holy and manifest My holiness among you in the sight of the nations." (Ezekiel 20:41 AMP). Those whom God has gloriously saved from spiritual death (the redeemed), He has called-out from the stench of the world into a separate life - a life that reflects the holiness of Christ. In other words, we look distinctively different and the sweet aroma and fragrance of Jesus is known among others. Much like a gardener who spends time day-after-day in the presence of roses, so the fragrance of Christ emanates from those who spend time in Jesus' Presence. Such a fragrance is pleasing to The Father - it is the ... aroma of Christ.

Persevere

What a quandary when we observe present prosperity of those who live apart from God!  Like the psalmist, we tend to be “envious of the arrogant.” (Psalm 73:2).  Truly, we [too] struggle to understand this when we hold to integrity in spite of testing circumstances.  If you listen carefully today, religious freedoms are at risk.  Like a delightful harvest from a late summer garden, Believers must keep the Lord’s end in view!  Knowing this: “For the Lord will vindicate His people and have compassion on His servants.” (Psalm 135:14).  A sure and delightful end is promised to those who remain “pure in heart” (Psalm 73:1).  Whatever your struggle or circumstance – However deep your grief and pain … do not lose heart!  Just as the day comes for the wicked, the glorious day of reward comes to those who stay true to God and persevere! Be of good courage ... persevere!

Remember and Rejoice

The remembering of things can be greatly productive in our lives, and this is particularly true in the spiritual life of the Believer. For example, David remembers the victories in his life: "You have maintained my just cause ... You have sat on the throne judging righteously ... You have rebuked the nations ... You have destroyed the wicked ... You have blotted out their names forever and ever" (Psalm 9:3-5 NASB). We all like to remember the good ole days or the pleasant seasons and times of life; it is good, however, to also consider the not-so-pleasant seasons and times because God is present and active during those times as well. The ways in and by which He sustains us in His righteousness and sovereignty are well-worth recalling. Read how David does this: "I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart ... I will tell of all Your wonders ... I will be glad and exult in You ... I will sing praise to Your Name, O Most High." (Psalm 9:1-2 NASB). David determine "I will" ... "I will" ... "I will" ... "I will." Because God is always faithfully present - in all seasons and times - let us not fail to see His hand of grace as He delivers us day-by-day and moment-by-moment. In all seasons ... remember and rejoice.

Enemy, Be Scattered

Personally, I like them plain but we all know where we can go to get our hash browns ... scattered, smothered and covered. That's exactly how we prefer our enemies, right - scattered, smothered, covered! The psalmist says, "From the mouths of infants and nursing babes You have established strength because of Your adversaries, to make the enemy and the revengeful cease." (Psalm 8:2 NASB). While creation speaks boldly to the greatness of God, man - God's crowning work - testifies of his Creator. Jesus quoted David in Matthew 21:16, "Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies You have prepared praise." A former pastor used to say "if you want to scatter a crowd, bring up Jesus" ... sadly, that is true. However, the greatest scattering is of the enemy when we speak of in praise and adoration The One Who rules and reigns. Just as light soundly snuffs out darkness, so does The Name of Jesus: "Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the Name that is above every name, so that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11). There's nothing magical nor mystical about Jesus' Name - only power above all other proclaimed power to the glory of The Father. What enemy is crouching at your heart's door, threatening to destroy your peace and joy and rest? God's promise is sure - in the powerful Name of Jesus ... enemy, be scattered.